2nd Chronicles 5:14. “So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.” THE CLOUD. The final act of the work was done. The lamps were lit and the door was hung. The basins, the tables, the bread, the tongs, the spoons – everything was done. The animals for the sacrifices, the offerors who brought them were all in the right place. Then the priests brought the ark into the holiest and there left the staves. Under the cherubim with their wings spreading from wall to wall – The ark was set before the oracle, never again to be seen by all. The music was started, hymns and psalms sung to praise the Lord. The curtain swung back into place, and then the house was filled with the cloud.
The presence of the Lord is not very hard to discern. Here is evidence of it in almost everywhere I turn. It can be seen in the light that shines from the face of a saint Who gets a glimpse of God’s glory before their final faint. When a soul is saved and realizes the extent of God’s grace – There is an inner brightness that is seen in their face. When the Word of God is read with feeling and reverence – Those who listen to the words feel a sense of God’s presence.
A large company of God’s people raise their voices together to sing. As their voices are heard in praise, their songs make the heavens ring With angelic “Hallelujahs” as those listeners stop to hear The people of God sing in the cloud of His presence knowing God is near. The one accord of fellowship and joy in the worship and praise they share - Gives to them awareness that the cloud of God’s presence fills the air. He is unseen, yet they are conscious of His presence when they meet;
Knowing God hears all that comes from our hearts to Him at the mercy-seat.
“O Lord God, there was a sense of Thy presence among Thy people when we gathered. But I am not sure they all realized the blessing they were able to share. May my thoughts and the words of this day and in the meeting tonight, be acceptable to Thee and a blessing to those who attend. May we all get the assurance that Thou art in our midst. May we give Thee the reverence that is due to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”